HRT Provides No Heart Benefit, Increases Risk of Blood Clots and Gallstones
posted 07/04/02

Hormone replacement therapy did not reduce the risk of heart problems in 2,763 postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease participating in the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) for 6.8 years, according to a new report published in JAMA. In a companion article, HRT doubled the risk of thromboembolism (blood clots) (relative hazard = 2.08, 95% CI, 1.28-3.40). Three HRT-group participants died of thromboembolic events. HRT also increased the likelihood of gallbladder surgery (RH = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.12-1.95). The HERS study is funded by Wyeth-Ayerst Research.

Here are the references:

Grady D, Herrington D, Bittner V, et al. Cardiovascular disease outcomes during 6.8 years of hormone therapy. JAMA 2002;288:49-57.

Hulley S, Furberg C, Barrett-Connor E, et al. Noncardiovascular disease outcomes during 6.8 years of hormone therapy. JAMA 2002;288:58-66.

For more information on hormone replacement, heart disease, or general health issues, visit www.PCRM.org.

* * * * *

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, particularly good nutrition, and conducts clinical research trials. PCRM also promotes higher standards in research.

To subscribe to PCRM's Breaking Medical News, click here.

Media Center | Health | Research | About PCRM | Catalog | Join Us | Search | Site Index | Home

The site does not provide medical or legal advice. This Web site is for information purposes only.
Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy